In The Community
When Cultural Appropriation Happens Outside of Halloween
Representation matters to people of color, but it must be done right. As much as social media has helped influencers and entrepreneurs access many potential customers with a click of a button, it has also provided a public platform for whistleblowers to call out bad behavior such as cultural appropriation with all the necessary receipts. The line between cultural appreciation and appropriation can be pretty thin.
On the Anti-Oppression Resource and Training Alliance’s (AORTA) website, Nisha Ahuja, an actor and wellness coach, wrote that “Cultural appropriation is taking a symbol or cultural practice out of its original context and then plunking it down somewhere else. And it becomes devoid of its original meaning. The people who are doing the extraction often are benefiting, whether through personal gain, financial gain, or entertainment.”
Adrienne Keene, author of the blog Native Appropriations, wrote, “There is always an inherent power imbalance — it is the dominant group taking from a marginalized group. With cultural appropriation, this also often plays out in the realities of colonization: It is the colonizer taking from the colonized.”
Yet with the abundance of information and resources available on-demand and at our fingertips, some continue to make poor decisions and, as a result, get justly called out for it. So what are some blatant examples? This goes well beyond Halloween costumes, which is important to note. Cultural appropriation takes shape every day of the year and in fundamental structures of our society. We gathered a few of the worst offenders and the resulting accountability that ensued:
Self-proclaimed Culture Leech, Jessica Krug
Jessica Krug, a former associate professor of History and Africana Studies at George Washington University, revealed in a Medium post that she is a white Jewish woman who has posed as an Afro-Latina for her entire career. She sometimes used the persona “Jess La Bombera” like she did when she testified during a New York City Council meeting about police brutality this summer using a heavy accent that we all now know was fake.
She called herself a “culture leech” in her Medium post and wrote that people should cancel her, but that self-deprecation seemed to be an act. According to The Cut, Krug posted the online confession before she was exposed after a group of Black and Latinx scholars learned the truth. According to a statement from The George Washington University Department of History, Krug resigned from her position in September 2020.
“With what she has termed her “audaciously deceptive” appropriation of an Afro-Caribbean identity, she has betrayed the trust of countless current and former students, fellow scholars of Africana Studies, colleagues in our department and throughout the historical discipline, as well as community activists in New York City and beyond,” the statement reads. “The discipline of history is concerned with truth telling about the past. With her conduct, Dr. Krug has raised questions about the veracity of her own research and teaching.”
The only reason Jessica Krug finally admitted to this lie is bec on Aug 26th one very brave very BLACK Latina junior scholar approached two senior Black Latina scholars & trusted them enough to do the research & back her up. Those two scholars made phone calls & reached out to...— Dr. YoFiggy (@Dr. YoFiggy) 1599161294
No Elotes Without Representation
Protesters gathered online and offline after restaurateurs Brian and Sarah Ingram, who are not Mexican, announced their plans to open a Mexican-inspired cantina called Elotés Woodfired Cantina in Minneapolis this summer. According to Eater Twin Cities, the Mexican-American protesters took issue with the use of the word “elote” in the restaurant name especially since none of the restaurant owners are Latine.
Protesters called the ingredient sacred to Mexican heritage and culture. Fortunately, the Ingrams were receptive to the criticism and listened to the community’s concerns when they gathered outside the restaurant. The restaurant opened in September as Woodfired Cantina, dropping “elotes” from the title.
\u201cElotes is sacred. It is a representation of our ancestral roots. It has been passed down from generation to generation and used in ritual ceremonies even today.\u201c - Sergio Quiroz, Co-Founder of Indigenous Roots \n\nhttps://unicornriot.ninja/2020/no-mas-cultural-appropriation-protest-succeeds-in-changing-restaurant-name/\u00a0\u2026pic.twitter.com/ch3jDirblf— Unicorn Riot (@Unicorn Riot) 1600211321
The Usual Suspect: Halloween
After the success of the animated film, "Coco," the world was exposed to the highly spiritual and revered Día De Los Muertos, the Mexican holiday that celebrates the loved ones we’ve lost, which is right after Halloween. With the growing popularity of the holiday, it’s important to remember that Latine culture isn't a costume. Dressing as a caricature of Latine culture such as a cholo/a or putting on a sombrero and a fake mustache is cultural appropriation when the "costume" is someone else's actual identity.
It's a fine line between appropriation and appreciation, but it often boils down to intention. Before you paint your face to resemble a sugar skull associated with Día De Los Muertos, the question that's recommended to ask is, why? For those moments you find yourself straddling the line, AORTA has a list of clarifying questions to ask.
La Chingona Cannabis’ Fabricated Origin Story
When Susie Plascencia received a message from La Chingona Cannabis on Instagram, she wanted to learn more about the three Latina sisters/founders celebrated on the company’s website. She learned that the origin story was completely fabricated by Michael Kaiser, the true owner and founder of the cannabis company. Of course, there was backlash once people learned that truth.
Plascencia told Luz Media in a phone interview that she saw an opportunity for the brand to empower women, but as she learned more about the company, she decided to help spearhead a boycott in July. “With La Chingona, we didn’t just boycott them with nothing. We didn’t just say, ‘hey, we think this brand is doing this, let’s just destroy it.’ We did our due diligence, and we did a whole investigation first,” Plascencia said. Kaiser eventually apologized on Instagram, but followed it by blaming others for destroying the brand.
A Stolen Mask and a Guilty Conscience
This situation is an example of power dynamics at play when Latina small business owners are left vulnerable to a white-dominated power structure. Karen Perez, owner of Second Wind, released a line of fashionable face masks during the second COVID-19 pandemic summer including the Tina, a linen mask that comes in five neutral colors with a detachable gold chain. According to Refinery29, the Latina designer was “extremely excited” when influencer Danielle Bernstein, of WeWoreWhat and with 2.5 million Instagram followers, reached out for a mask.
Perez told Refinery29 that her heart dropped when she received another message from Bernstein letting her know that she was also releasing masks with a detachable chain. She wrote that her masks were inspired by sunglass chains and didn’t want Perez to think she was copying her, but Diet_prada, a popular fashion watchdog instagram account, posted side by side photos of the two masks on Instagram, and it’s hard to argue that the masks aren’t similar. Bernstein said in an Instagram story that the accusations that she stole or solicited the designs are false and donated all the masks to frontline healthcare workers.
- Myriam Gurba On Pretendians, and Racial and Ethnic Fakes ›
- Is Rosalia Taking Advantage of Latinx Culture? ›
Trends have a knack for popping up out of nowhere and taking over our social media feeds in no time. Be it fashion, makeup, the latest dance craze, or a catchy new tune – they just sort of become a part of our everyday lives. What slips by a lot of people, though, is how many of these trends are actually born in communities that don't get enough of the spotlight.
Have you noticed a recurring pattern of popular internet trends being seemingly 'new,' yet strikingly familiar? More often than not, these 'trends' are deeply rooted in Latino and Black culture and subcultures. With social media, things can go viral at the speed of light, and everyone’s quick to jump on the bandwagon, often not bothering to dig into the origins of the trend. Sure, this can lead to people learning about new cultures and ideas, but it can also spread misinformation and foster ignorance about other cultures and their history.
So, let's take a moment to appreciate the origins of some viral trends and acknowledge the cultural influences that made them possible.
Slicked Back Hair (the “Clean Girl” look) and Baby Hairs
@melisekrem Sleek Bun Tutorial ✨ #sleekbun #cleangirlhair #cleangirlhairstyle #hairtutorial
Seeing women slick their hair back until not a single strand is out of place is like a throwback to our moms brushing our hair so tight it felt like it was glued to our skulls. Back in the day, being all "peinadas" wasn't a style choice; it was like mom's law.
Now, you've probably seen a multitude of influencers sporting slicked-back hair, dubbed the "clean girl look," or those meticulously styled baby hairs, courtesy of some gel and a toothbrush.
These hairstyles have been a staple in Black and Latino communities for decades. African American women have used this technique not only as a method of hair management but also as a significant expression of personal and cultural style. While Latinas, and particularly many Mexican-American Cholas, also notably sported slicked-back hair, usually nailed with hair gel or pomade, for that sleek and shiny vibe, a look that was all about showing you're tough as nails and exuding confidence.
Similarly, the increasingly popular “baby hair” styling had its boom in the '90s, when R&B and hip-hop were all the rage and Black and Latina women were coming up with some pretty detailed designs for their baby hairs. They'd use gel or whatever worked to shape their baby hairs into swoops, waves, or curls, framing their faces and really making their features pop. It was another way to flex their creativity and show off their sharp eye for detail.
Winged Eyeliner and Thin Brows
@spiciblondi me and my controversial brows 4 ever #thinbrows #y2k #mcbling
Winged eyeliner, or 'cat eye,' has become a must-have skill in the makeup world. However, its origins are not as contemporary as many might think. This look can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and was notably embraced by Mexican-American Chola culture in the 80s and 90s. Similarly, the thin eyebrow trend, often linked to the 90s supermodel era, was a distinctive Chola aesthetic long before it hit mainstream fashion.
Baggy Clothes, Flannel Shirts, and Bandanas
You know how fashion's like a merry-go-round? Old styles get a new lease on life; all spruced up and ready to be the next big thing. Enter oversized flannel shirts paired with bandanas. This trend might be the uniform of edgy influencers today, but its roots are firmly planted in Black hip-hop culture and the Cholo style of the Latino community, dating back to the 60s.
This combination was more than a fashion statement; it was a symbol of unity, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black and Latine women would rock these, usually with high-waisted jeans and some blingy gold jewelry, adding a bit of swagger to the ensemble.
Brown Lips and Liner
Brown glazed lips and liner became a significant trend within Black and Latina communities during the 90s as a means of self-expression and cultural identity. The contrasting lip liner, often several shades darker than the lipstick or gloss, defined and accentuated the lips, a feature celebrated in these communities. This style was, and still is, a unique way to highlight the natural fullness and shape of the lips.
The choice of brown shades specifically was, in part, a rebellion against traditional beauty standards, which often favored lighter, more 'neutral' colors. Brown shades, on the other hand, better complemented the diverse range of skin tones found within Black and Latina communities, making this trend not only a fashion statement but also an assertion of cultural pride and self-love.
Today, as the brown glazed lips and liner trend is adopted by mainstream beauty culture, we're seeing beauty standards from these communities getting the limelight only when white or white-passing folks decide to jump on the bandwagon. The same styles that were once labeled as "ghetto" when worn by their originators are suddenly trendy, laying bare a beauty bias that puts whiteness on a pedestal.
It’s crucial to remember its origins and the empowering message it held for the women who pioneered it. The trend serves as a testament to the ability of these communities to redefine beauty standards and influence global aesthetics.
Hoop Earrings and Nameplate Necklaces
@girlsbeinggirly Wear mine literally everyday🫶🏼😍#thatgirl #aesthetic #fashion #inspo
We can't overlook the ubiquitous hoop earrings and nameplate necklaces. Hoop earrings date back to ancient cultures, but in modern times, they have become synonymous with the bold and beautiful aesthetic of Latinas. The nameplate necklaces, currently making rounds on social media, have long been a part of both Black and Latine culture as well, particularly in hip-hop fashion during the 80s and 90s. These pieces were more than accessories; they were declarations of individuality and self-pride. I mean, who doesn’t love their hoops and their cadenita?
So the next time you come across a viral trend, it might be worth digging a little deeper into its origins. These styles and aesthetics are not simply passing trends—they're enduring expressions of culture, identity, and history. By acknowledging the roots of these trends, we can appreciate them for what they are: celebrations of the rich diversity and creativity embedded in Black and Latino cultures.
A trend is only as influential as its reach, and it's clear these cultural styles have impacted us globally. So, here's a call to recognize, appreciate, and give credit to the vibrant Latino and Black communities whose stylistic innovations continue to shape global fashion and internet trends. As we appreciate and adopt these styles, let's ensure we're not just consumers but also respectful celebrators of the cultures that birthed them.
Shoutout to @veteranas_and_rucas for their inspiring collection of “herstoric homegirl imagery” showcasing the beautiful lives and incomparable style of SoCal women.
TikTok is Calling out Latine Cosplayers with the “Ahora Todos Quieren Ser Latinos” Trend
When “Un Verano Sin Ti” was released by Latino reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny in the summer of 2022, the onslaught of TikTok trends that resulted from it wasn’t a surprise. A specific lyric from the modern Puerto Rican anthem “El Apagón,” that says, “ahora todos quieren ser Latinos” (meaning “now they all want to be Latinos”) has struck a chord with fans everywhere.
The lyrics have inspired responses to non-Latinos appropriating Latine culture.
There’s a fine line between appreciation and appropriation when it comes to expressions of culture, but some lines aren’t fine lines at all. Spa water is a prime example of extreme cultural ignorance that resulted in outright absurdity. Bad Bunny’s lyrics highlight how normal it is for non-Latinos to claim or appropriate Latine culture when convenient and how easy it is to outright steal the culture and re-name it any old thing - “clean girl aesthetic,” anyone?
In response to this, the internet is fighting back against non-Latinos who are claiming Latinidad for their own benefit:
@itscoral93 TikTok · itscoral93
@chrisdoucet28 #pegar un video de @its.me.again_07
Bad Bunny's anthem is a testament to the power of music as a platform for challenging conversations and a rallying cry for cultural respect and acknowledgment. This song and the internet's reaction to it shows us that the world of culture isn't a free-for-all buffet, where you can just grab what you fancy and slap a new name on it.
So, let's keep this conversation going, learn from each other, and remember to respect the cultures we’re borrowing from. After all, it's about time we give credit where credit's due. Boom, mic drop, Bad Bunny style.